Top Child Psychology Programs: List of Top Schools

Learn about the top child psychology programs in the US, including two of the leading universities to offer such specialized programs. Read on for school information and rankings as well as program details and curriculum.

Schools Overview

The following two schools represent some of the best degree programs in child psychology available. Both universities offer doctoral programs, and one of them offers a bachelor's degree program. The schools offer programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Read on for more information about two of the best child psychology degree programs offered in the U.S.

1. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, MN

School Highlight: This university offers Child Psychology degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level.

The school offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Child Psychology with a strong research focus. Students can specialize in child development areas such as cognitive development, language, learning and social development, as well as neuroscience and psychobiology. Those pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical child psychology may focus on child developmental psychopathology. The Ph.D. program is accredited by the APA.

U of M also offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Child Psychology, both of which prepare students for further study in the field. Coursework teaches students about adolescent psychology, infant development, child psychology and language development.

2. University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS

School Highlight: This university's Child Psychology program has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association.

The Clinical Child Psychology Training Program offers a Ph.D. in Clinical Child Psychology. The program coursework draws from the applied behavioral science and psychology departments. Its focus is research and teaching students how to clinically evaluate and treat children and adolescents. Classes include child psychopathology, family therapy, ethical and legal issues, cultural diversity and social concerns.

Top Child Psychology Programs

College/University Name

Distinction

Location

Azusa Pacific University

The bachelor's degree in psychology program offers a child life specialist concentration

Azusa, CA

Bryn Mawr College

Home to the Bryn Mawr Child Study Institute

Bryn Mawr, PA

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago

Offers online M.A. in Psychology with a child and adolescent concentration

Chicago, IL

Nova Southeastern University

Graduate students gain clinical experience in child and family services through the school's psychological services center

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Texas Christian University

Home to the TCU Institute of Child Development

Fort Worth, TX

The University of Alabama

Offers six practicum training program options for doctoral students studying clinical child psychology

Tuscaloosa, AL

University of Detroit Mercy

Offers a developmental psychology major and minor, plus a Family Life Education certificate